Sporting goods store damaged during standoff still closed

Dec. 07, 2017

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana sporting goods store that was badly damaged during an armed standoff last month will not be able to re-open for the holiday shopping season.

The Big Bear Sports Center in Billings was damaged when 30-year-old Frank Joey Half Jr. drove a vehicle into the building and, during a standoff with officers, fired numerous shots inside the building, damaged display cases and emptied several fire extinguishers.

Water and natural gas service lines were damaged when officers tried to clear debris from the front of the store during the standoff. Half exchanged gunfire with officers and was killed on Nov. 4.

The Billings Gazette reports the store's Facebook page included a posting that said work to repair the building and replace inventory would not be completed in time for holiday shopping.